Brussels
Weather - If you like warm weather and arriving
when most tourists do, I would suggest visiting Brussels
between May and September. The weather is similar
to Seattle, Washington’s weather – it
is said to “change every 20 minutes” by
Belgians, but its Maritime air masses produce a moderate
climate which is due to the closeness of the English
Channel and the North Sea, much as Seattle is by the
Pacific. The summer months in Brussels are warm with
maximum daily average temperatures of 65-73 degrees
and with some rain about every second day. This means
very pleasant weather for sightseeing.
On the other hand if you prefer exploring with less
tourists around and weather that is not quite so warm,
I would suggest visiting Brussels
between October and May – it doesn’t snow
in Belgium, but it does rain quite a bit, especially
in the winter. Local storekeepers take advantage of
this and if you’re stuck in the rain without
an umbrella, you needn’t look far for a store
selling umbrellas – alas, you will pay a bit
for one – I saw them between the price of 15
Euros and 40 Euros. I picked up one when I lost the
one I brought, but then ended up losing the brand
new one, and finding my old one. What gives. Anyway,
the locals are used to it – and if rain doesn’t
bother you that much (especially if you have that
handy umbrella) you’ll be fine.
Another advantage of arriving in the “off-season”
is this tip to remember – if you longing for
some mussels (one of Brussels most
traditional dishes) – the "in" season
(when they are the best, freshest, and most numerous)-
order them only during months that have an “r”
in the name - you got it from September to April.
